9 hydrating gradual tanners for a subtle golden glow

Able to deliver anything from a lightly honey-dipped glow to a deeply bronzed tan depending on how often you apply it, this natural tanning product will give you the hue you want no matter the season.

$30 at Myer

A lotion and oil hybrid, you can use this formula as a face tanner, as well as a self-tanner for the body. While it is a gradual tanner, you’ll start to see signs of your subtle golden tan in as little as an hour after application; a definite win.

$52.25 at Revolve

Want the subtlety of a gradual tan but miss the colour guide of a tanning foam? This medium to dark tan utilises advanced colour-guide technology to ensure a streak-free finish after every application. It develops gradually and can be built up to your desired intensity for a sun-kissed look or to prolong your tan. The olive-undertoned formula is enriched with acai berry, coffee seed extract and shea butter to help revitalise, protect and nourish skin.

$29.95 at Adore Beauty

After a gradual tan formula that doesn’t cling to dry patches? This pick is infused with hemp which helps to simultaneously moisturise your skin and encourage a buildable, streak-free finish. The formula also contains aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E to nourish dry skin.  And if you’re one to suffer from ingrowns or body acne, green tea leaf extract, Lakadu plum and witch hazel are included to help brighten skin, prevent clogged pores and regulate oil production. 

$19.99 at Priceline

Equal parts body moisturiser and faux tan, this gradual option makes achieving a believable bronzed glow feel almost foolproof. The skin-first formula leans heavily into hydration, with nourishing oils and butters helping limbs look smoother, softer and significantly less streak-prone in the process.

$66.95 at Luna Bronze

If the smell of fake tan stresses you out, then this coconut scented pick should be right up your alley. Enriched with coconut water, you’ll notice an improvement in hydration as well as adopting an enviable summer glow in a mere few hours post-application. 

$10.99 at Chemist Warehouse

If 'natural' is the name of your tanning game, this gradual glow-boosting moisturiser will be your best friend. The lightweight gel moisturiser is bolstered by hyaluronic acid, for seriously soft skin and a gorgeous (and legitimately believable) golden tan. Plus, it actually has a pleasant scent; a big win, we know. Even better? It comes in two shade options, fair to medium and medium to deep, so everyone can enjoy the natural, glossy glow.

$13.99 from Chemist Warehouse

Want to maintain your tan with a gradual tanner that gives seriously moisturising benefits as a much as it does a buildable, natural tan? Then this rich shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E packed formula is the one for you. 

$33.95 at Bali Body

When it comes to tanning, Bondi Sands knows what they're doing. So, when we want to take a step back from the iconic one-hour tanning mousse, we reach for the seriously hydrating, antioxidant, aloe vera and vitamin E-enriched gradual tanning milk. The moisturising formula has a tropical cocoa butter scent and will leave your skin positively glossy and glowing.

$21.99 at Priceline